Month: July 2018

DCS World 2.5 Release Version Update
This week we moved a large number of improvements from the Open Beta to the Release version of DCS World 2.5. You can read the complete changelog here.

Highlights of the Release version update include:

All terrains updated with improved file structure and adjusted shaders. In particular, the detailed area of the Persian Gulf map was expanded north and east. This includes the airfields at Shiraz and Kerman, higher resolution terrain mesh and textures, new and improved shaders for trees, expanded road and rail network, new agricultural areas, and new towns and cities. While the detailed area of the map is now complete, we do plan to add additional airfields and landmarks within the area over the next few months. Additionally, we are working on new units to populate this map like the SS-1 “SCUD”, Rapier and SA-2/HQ-1/S-75 SAMs, and the HY-1 “Silkworm” anti-ship cruise missile.

Cloud ceiling now correctly matches Mission Editor settings.

Corrected Search and Engage AI tasks.

Many new features and fixes for the Hornet were added like network spawning on the carrier when catapult 1 is occupied, corrected uncommanded STT switching, added radar SIL mode, added single and ripple rocket pod settings in the Mission Editor, night vision goggles added, and the Instrument Carrier Landing System (ICLS) was added.

The AJS-37 has also seen many improvements like several crash fixes, adjusted RB-24J and 74 performance, added real-time mirror rendering, completed the manual, added rain drops on canopy effect, and greatly improved the night lighting.

NS 430 2D panel support added for all aircraft but A-10C, F/A-18C and Ka-50.

Next week, we will provide the next update to the Open Beta.

DCS: Yak-52 Update
Our Yak-52 is very late in development and in final tests. In addition to putting the flight model through its paces with the help of actual Yak-52 pilots, we are also fine tuning the interactive training missions. The Yak-52 will be released next month!

Having direct access to a Yak-52 from “The First Flight” Russian close formation aerobatic display team, we’ve been able to model the aircraft in extreme detail and accuracy. One element of this is the sounds of the aircraft. On multiple occasions we have sent our sound team to a local airfield near Moscow to capture the cockpit and external sounds.

During one recording session, we recorded a video of it.

External sounds were captured at various engine RPM settings and from different microphone vantages such as all around the aircraft, fly by, passes at different altitudes, and aspect angles.

Inside the cockpit, the focus was also on engine RPM at various settings, but also on switch clicks, the pneumatics (landing gear, flaps, and brakes), canopy opening and closing, etc.

The sounds environment will be as if you were there in the cockpit!

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Update
Each two week cycle we are adding more and more new features to the Hornet while addressing bugs as they pop up. Our current focus for the rest of July and next month is on the following:

Complete the AIM-7 with addition of FLOOD, Home On Jam (HOJ), and LOFT sub-modes.

NS 430 Update
In addition to the NS 430 GPS navigation and communication system being available as cockpit instrument for the Mi-8MTV2, we are now offering it as a cockpit instrument for the L-39 and as a 2D, mouse-interactive Pop-Op Window for most other aircraft. The 2D Pop-Up Window (not currently VR compatible) is available for all aircraft that don’t already have a modern navigation and communication system. This allows you to use the NS 430 for many aircraft like all the World War II aircraft, Korean War era aircraft, Flaming Cliffs/MAC aircraft, and others.

Persian Gulf Map for DCS World Update
This week we launched our first major update to the Persian Gulf map! In addition to adding the large Iranian airbases of Shiraz and Kerman, it also greatly expands the map with a larger detailed area with higher resolution elevation and textures. Further, many new towns and cities have been added, the Gate Hotel in Dubai, as well as an expanded road and rail network in Iran.

This update brings the Persian Gulf map to almost the same size as the Caucasus map and provides many more gameplay options and a much larger battleground to fight in.

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Update
Also this week we added several new features and resolved several bugs for the Hornet. Highlights of this update include:

Aircraft no longer slide on the carrier deck, at any carrier speed.

STT track will not switch lock uncommanded.

RADAR SIL (radar silence) and STBY mode has been implemented.

RWR display logic has been further improved, with critical threat lines added.

Option on ME to select single or ripple release (was not in fact merged for last update)

DUD cue added for when HT or fuze setting is below current aircraft AGL.

The M-2000C Red Flag Campaign is a story-driven campaign that takes place during an extraordinary Red Flag exercise at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). The campaign backstory revolves around growing hostilities between Iran and its neighbors and a partially successful coup that takes place in the United Arab Emirates, effectively splitting the country in two.

You will take on the role of a deputy commander of a 10-ship strong detachment of M-2000C interceptors from the 02.005 Fighter Squadron “Île-de-France”. In preparation for war in the Persian Gulf, your detachment, and those from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland and the Netherlands, will spend two weeks at the NTTR to hone your skills.

All of the missions are based on extensive research of actual Red Flag exercises and will each include interesting facts and stories from previous runnings of the exercise.
Features:

16 story-driven missions

Over 3,000 voiceovers performed by more than 40 voice actors

Returning characters from the M-2000C Caucasus campaign

Highly detailed mission briefings, maps, and other documents that includes Air Tasking Orders and Data Sheets based on actual counterparts use by the US and French Air Forces

Many of interesting background facts and stories from past Red Flag exercises